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Feature wallpaper ideas: Inspiration for dressing your walls

Introducing feature wallpaper can utterly transform the dynamic of one of the rooms in your house – and even change the whole feel of your home.

Choosing inspiring feature wallpaper is a great way to leave your individual stamp on the walls of your house, instilling it with your own personality and design preferences.

Approaching this task in the right way from the outset can help you save hours of time and oodles of effort. We’ve compiled some of our top feature wallpaper ideas and tips and tricks.

What is feature wallpaper?

Feature wallpaper is wallpaper that is used to create a feature wall, or accent wall. A feature wall acts as a room’s focal point: they can be used to add depth and a sense of spaciousness to smaller rooms, and they offer an exciting opportunity to experiment with different colours, patterns and textures.

Feature walls were very popular in the 1990s, and they tended to be reserved to living rooms. They have made a comeback in recent years, and they are now started to appear in the rest of the home, particularly kitchens and bedrooms.

Is my room suitable for a feature wall?

Whilst feature walls can work well in smaller spaces, it is often a good idea to use one of your larger rooms, and preferably one that is frequently used and has plenty of natural light, for your feature wall.

This will give you greater scope to pursue grand, high-impact designs – and it will help ensure that your feature wall has maximum possible impact on the overall feel of your home.

Living rooms, kitchens and bedrooms tend to be good locations for feature walls.

Which wall should be my feature wall?

Whatever you do, do not randomly select a wall to be your feature wall.

Choose the wall that your eyes are naturally drawn to when entering the room. It’s a good idea to avoid walls with features that might detract from the impact that you are trying to create with your wallpaper.

We advise choosing a wall that is solid, i.e. has no doors or windows. The furniture in the room should be positioned in such a way as to emphasise your feature wall. Placing the sofa against a feature wall in your living room, for example, should have the desired effect.

Inspiration for dressing your walls

Let’s take a look at some of the ways in which you can create a feature wall that makes a real difference to your home.

1. Be bold

There’s nothing quite like expressive, vivid wallpaper designs to transform the dynamic of a room.

We’re a huge fan of colourful floral patterns that give a sense of movement and lend the room a real energy. For maximum effect, combine with bold, bright accessories to make a statement.

Painter and decorator hanging bright feature wallpaper

Lighter wallpaper colours have the effect of making a room feel brighter and create a sense of increased space. They’re perfect for making the most of smaller spaces with little in the way of natural light.

2. Darker hues can also work a treat

Then again, there’s something to be said for darker feature wallpaper designs that can add a stylish touch, a perception of depth and a bit of gravitas. Accent walls often work best when they are darker than the other walls.

Using darker floral designs over a brass mantlepiece can create a cosier, more intimate aesthetic, which is ideal on cold winter nights.

A dark forest green is a classic colour choice, and it pairs well with pink, white and orange colours.

Abstract floral print wallpaper

Darker colours tend to work well in expansive spaces; they’re best avoided in smaller spaces, as they can make living spaces feel cramped and claustrophobic.

3. Go for colours that complement each other

Whilst we’re on the subject of colours that pair well, it pays to choose the colour combos that work.

One of our favourites is pink and green – a colour combination adopted by Italian magazine editor Anna Dello Russo and even Queen Elizbeth II!

Opt for a dusty pink and deep green combo to achieve a very contemporary, à la mode look.

Get in touch with us today

We would be delighted to help you change your living space for the better.

Reach out to us today to find out how we can help you turn your features wallpaper ideas into inspiring interior designs. We offer professional wallpaper services and interior colour consultancy to help you bring your vision for your home to life. 

Introducing Toni-Olivia, one of our Colour Consultants in Scotland

How long have you been working with colour and interiors? 

I have been working in the design industry professionally since graduating from Duncan of Jordanstone College of Art and Design in 2019, where I studied Interior Environmental Design. Here I developed my spatial imagination, working at varying scales, contexts, and sites to develop my drawing, digital, making, and theoretical understanding of space.

How did you get into this role? Has it always been your passion?

Always! From a very young age I also knew I wanted to do something creative and Interior Design for me is the best of both worlds. I get to be creative most days coming up with conceptual concepts and ideas. While the other side of the job is very technical, when proposing an idea or scheme you have to be confident it will work. My dad has also worked in the building trade his entire life and I always remember looking over drawing packages with him. I think this is why 2D/3D modelling softwares is crucial to any design project for me.

What is the most fulfilling part of your role?

Of course seeing the final product and how everything has come together is hugely satisfying. Getting to work with incredibly talented designers and craftspeople, having the opportunity to explore ideas through creative conversation to ensure we come up with the best solution for the client. However, for me the most fulfilling part of the job is seeing a client’s confidence and personal style grow as we tackle each room.

What projects are you currently working on?

My biggest project at the moment is an entire renovation of a 15th century home. It has been a labour of love so far but will be worth it once finished. The building has many quirks and architectural details, throughout the renovation I have been learning more about the building’s history and implementing this into my proposal. One story goes that Mary Queen of Scots once stayed at the property! It has been both a challenge and a joy to work on.

You must get asked the same questions from customers? What are they?

“What do you think?” Is definitely my number one asked question. Some people can get so overwhelmed when choosing colour and all the decision making that comes along with a renovation. That is why the consultancy service is so valuable, during our session we get to the core of what the client wants, by asking the right questions and most importantly listening to their response to determine what they are really looking for. This way we achieve something that is truly authentic to the client and not trend driven. 

What is hot right now?

Right now I am seeing two things, both on either side of the spectrum. The first being people are becoming much more curious with colour. What colour makes them feel good? What colour can they work in? What colour sparks joy? After 18 months working from home people are starting to realise how influential colour can be and we are seeing a definitive move away from Grey’s into more bold choices. Look out for bright yellows and warm ochres making an appearance. On the other side I am also seeing a move towards warm and natural colours, think nurturing pinks and terracotta tones. Colours that evoke comfort and a sense of simplicity after an intense year. People are wanting to pair back their interiors in order to be more sustainable, seeing a huge rise in interest in eco paint. 

What’s the perfect way to introduce colour if you are a little overwhelmed?

Try introducing colour through accessories first for example painting a mirror or picture frame, up cycle a tired piece of furniture in a bold colour. The best thing about paint is it doesn’t have to be permanent- if you don’t love it just paint over it! So have fun experimenting with non fixed items and allow yourself to make mistakes this way when it comes to painting the entire room you won’t find it as hard to commit to colour.

Why should a customer choose a professional decorator like Paint my Home for their redecoration project?

Choosing Paint my Home gives you the assurance the job will be done right, the team’s high attention to detail and commitment to each client. Along with their vast history and trade knowledge to pull from clients can place their confidence in the team that the job will be done to the highest standard by the most skilled trades people.

Find out more about our interior colour consultancy service and get in touch today to discover how our team of professionally trained colour consultants can guide you through the best colours, shades and wallpapers to transform your home.

How to choose wallpaper for your living room

Your living room is exactly that – a room where you, your family and friends, and your guests enjoy spending time together. The space should be welcoming and inviting, so you need to know how to choose wallpaper for your living room that reflects this.

The array of beautiful wallpapers available allows for endless possibilities. Read on for tips and advice that can help you transform your living room into a space where everyone feels at home.

1. Think about durability

Durability should be your starting point. If most of the people who spend their time in the room are adults, consider choosing a speciality wallpaper.

If you have active children, a wallpaper that is durable, washable, and less expensive to replace may be a better option. Products that are made from nylon and that aren’t woven are great choices if you’re looking for durability when considering how to choose wallpaper for your living room.

2. Consider formality

Think about the level of formality when considering wallpaper designs for your living room. Is the space primarily for you and your partner, you and your guests, or for you and your family?

Do you want to focus on luxurious formality, a vibrant theme or on neutrality that provides a perfect backdrop for the other décor elements in the room? Your answers to these questions can further guide your decision.

3. Start with subtlety

Take a look at subtle colours and patterns if you’re a newcomer to wallpaper. Subtlety is key if you have traditionally used muted or neutral tones in your living room. Going big and bold can be overwhelming if you’re not used to bright colours and designs in your space. Add interest with subtle geometric patterns, printed grass cloth, and tonal variations.

4. Choose a small-scale pattern or textures

If you’re wondering how to choose a wallpaper for your living room that adds visual interest, but you want to avoid bolder designs, a small-scale pattern is a fantastic option to subtly introduce patterns to the space.

Alternatively, look at textured wallpapers. This is a great option if you’re wondering how to choose wallpaper for small living rooms and don’t want to make the space look cramped.

5. Think of your walls as a canvas

If you love bright, bold colours and designs, think of your walls as a canvas and let your imagination run wild. Larger designs are great in spaces with a modern feel. Alternatively, look for a mural or watercolour print design. Whatever your choice, make sure you make a statement with your living room wallpaper.

6. Harmonise with other materials and textures

Consider the other materials and textures in the space when thinking about how to choose wallpaper for your living room. Whether you’re keeping your existing furniture and décor or you’re giving the room a complete makeover, your choice of wallpaper should harmonise with the rest of the space.

If you want to transform your living room, contact the team at Paint My Home. Our team offer professional wallpaper services and can help make your living room wallpaper ideas a reality.

Stylish wallpaper trends for 2021

Colourful, quirky and timeless, the wallpaper trends of 2021 are a welcome goodbye to plain colour palettes and hello to boldness, texture and patterns.

Whatever your taste, there’s a wallpaper for everyone. Take a closer look at the latest trends and find your inspiration for your next home interior project.

Have fun with wallpaper

One of our favourite wallpaper trends of 2021 is finding new or different ways to use it. While some homeowners are happy to stick to the approach of wallpapering full walls (and all the walls in one or more rooms), others are taking a less-is-more technique.

You could use wallpaper to make a statement with a feature wall, or you could use a smaller piece of wallpaper and a frame to create a “wallpaper moment” as a decorative feature on a wall.

Textures

Texture is another of the latest wallpaper trends we love, adding interest and depth to any room, especially if the paper features geometric patterns.

One of our favourite textured wallpapers is a bamboo paper. Bamboo has become one of the best sustainable décor trends and it’s incredibly versatile too. Hanging bamboo wallpaper brings a natural, eco-friendly element into your home in the most stylish way.

Other materials that offer wonderful texture include grass cloth, silk, and vinyl.

Roll of textured bamboo wallpaper

Large abstract prints

Maximalism is influencing all sorts of design trends this year, and wallpaper is among them. Some trending wallpapers for the home feature large-scale abstract prints, which can be daunting if you’re not used to ‘going big.’

Try contrasting the organic lines of the abstract prints with silhouettes that are simple and clean.

Abstract wallpaper

Trompe-l’oeil

Trompe-l’oeil is another of our favourite wallpaper trends for 2021. Translated as ‘trick of the eye,’ trompe-l’oeil is something like an optical illusion. You can find wallpapers that can make your walls look as though they’ve been tiled or covered with folds of rich fabric or tapestry.

They’re a fabulous way to add more visual interest to your rooms.

Vintage floral prints

Thanks to cottagecore and other idealised or romanticised views of bygone days, vintage floral prints are back. As far as wallpaper hallway trends go, vintage florals can do wonders to help set the mood that carries through to the rest of the home.

Vintage floral prints can also work well in a maximalist context, especially if you choose large prints and combine them with other prints.

Abstract floral print wallpaper

Panoramic/scenic prints

Most of our planet’s population experienced extended cabin fever last year, which might be one of the reasons why panoramic or scenic prints are one of the top wallpaper trends this year. The themes are many and varied, so you can focus on flowers and/or foliage, misty mountain tops, seascapes, and even murals inspired by fine art.

Panoramic, scenic, and mural papers can make a strong statement, so if you feel inspired by this option, choose a style you are certain you love.

Panels

Panels are a gorgeous way of bringing a wallpaper trend into your bedroom (or any other room) without overwhelming the space. This option is also a sensible one if you’re working on a budget.

Choose a paper with bold colours, patterns and texture, and use a nature-inspired colour scheme for the rest of the room.

Realise your dream

If you don’t have the time or ability to bring the latest wallpaper trends into your home, get in touch with Paint My Home. We offer professional wallpaper services and our team of experts are happy to help bring your ideas to life.

Trending paint colours in 2021

Are you ready to give your walls that new lease of life that they’ve been desperately crying out for? With a little help from our experts over at Craig & Rose in Chiswick, in this blog we’ll be taking a closer look at the colours that you’re going to be seeing everywhere this year and why you should give them some consideration for your next redecoration project. Will you embrace warm earthy tones, or dare to go a little more bold with colour?

Warm earthy tones 

2021 was the year of Brave Ground from Dulux which was named colour of the year, and it’s not hard to see why. This neutral shade can be used with other natural hues to create a soft and tranquil space. Alternatively, it works brilliantly to let other colours shine when paired with rich reds or earthy blues and greens. 

Along with Brave Ground some other colours to consider are natural greens and light browns to create a warming feel all year round, especially in the evening when you’re ready to relax and wind down. Warm earthy tones give a feel of elegance to your space and are extremely versatile.

The best paint for a front door

We are seeing more and more people being brave with colour this year, with front doors being the perfect tool to experiment and embrace brighter shades. Buttercup yellows and vibrant reds are great options to stand out from the crowd and will look fantastic against all that garden greenery. 

Green hues are another alternative, from pastels to trendy sage, you can create a welcoming entrance to your home to make guests (and the postman) say wow.

Remember when painting your front doors, you’ll need to make sure you’re using an exterior paint as these are made to weather the outdoors. 

What is the most popular colour for a kitchen?

This year we are seeing people opting for dark colour schemes in the kitchen. We spoke with Jodi at Craig & Rose and he said that a lot of customers are favouring colours such as Zeitgeist and Angelica. Dark colours paired with neutrals create a perfectly balanced scheme to add bold personality to your kitchen spaces without being too overpowering. 

If you’re in need of a summer project, why not try using one of these trending shades to update a room, door or even a bit of furniture in your home.

Get in contact with the experts today

If you’re feeling inspired by any of these shades but don’t want the stress of taking on the work yourself, give our team of experts a call or contact us today to get in touch about your next project.

A helpful guide to exterior house painting

Give the outside of your home a fresh look in time for brighter weather and long-awaited lifting of all lockdown restrictions. 

The sun is shining and we’ve got one thing on our minds, exterior painting, and we’re here to help guide you through how to achieve this. We’re here to share our knowledge so you’re able to get clued up, whether you’re looking to do it yourself or you’re looking to get professionals like us to do it for you.

Can you paint outside in cold weather?

Weather in the UK as we all know can be highly unpredictable. We advise bright and dry conditions and with no chance of rain to get started on this kind of work. This is why spring/summer is the perfect time to start the process due to the weather being a bit more balanced. 

Preparation

Preparation is probably the most important factor when it comes to painting the outside of your home as if it’s not done correctly, you may have to start from scratch. We recommend clearing the area to start and removing any furniture out of the way or covering up with sheets if you’re unable to move them. 

It’s then time to start cleaning the walls. Power wash then apply an anti-fungicidal wash to kill any fungi or moss on the surface. You then need to allow time for the wall to dry properly.

Once dried, your wall can then be treated. If the surface is flaky or powdery use a stabiliser primer (for exterior masonry) first. However, if your walls are solid, stone rendered or stone work, then a stabilising solution is not recommended and we do instead advise two coats of exterior paint. 

The final step in the preparation process is protection. We would advise using tape to use to mask around all windows and piping. You can also use plastic sheeting or old newspapers for this. 

Tools for painting

Depending on the texture of the render (roughcast) we would advise using a heavy duty pile roller sleeve, a good screw in pole and a roller bracket as the last thing you want to happen is the roller slipping off the pole. For your external windows we would recommend using the Hamilton barrel brushes. Lastly, for the rest of the woodwork (fascias, soffits) we would recommend using purdy brushes. 

A professional’s touch

It’s no secret that painting the exterior of your home is a daunting task for many and one that should be taken on with careful consideration. To achieve the best results, we would always recommend using professionals. They have the know-how when it comes to preparation, tools and paint which means you can save a lot of time, carry on with everyday life and know the exterior of your home is going to get a professional and flawless finish with longevity. 

Get in touch with the experts today

If you don’t know where to begin with your exterior decorating, contact our team of talented experts and we can help take that stress away.

How much paint do I need for my project?

Confused about how many coats you will need? Not sure how many tins to buy? Work out what you need beforehand with these simple steps to help you calculate the right requirements. First things first, grab yourself a tape measure…

Measure up

Start by measuring the maximum height and width of the wall you want to paint. Then multiply the two measurements together to get the overall square meterage. Do the same for your windows and doors and then subtract from your overall square meterage.

How many coats of paint on the wall?

The quantity of paint you need will be determined by the amount of coats. We always recommend two coats of your chosen colourful top coat for even coverage. Multiply your final square meterage by two (that allows for 2 top coats)

Last bit of adding up  

Take the total number that you just calculated and divide the number by how many square metres per litre are listed on your paint tin. This will provide you with the amount of paint that you will need for your project.

If you need more help, most paint manufacturers have online coverage calculators specific to their brand. This will help you get as accurate a number as possible. 

Give our team of experts a call or contact us today to get in touch about your next project.

Get in contact with the experts today

Dealing with paint: How to remove paint from multiple surfaces

It is always worth taking the time to cover your floors and furniture before you undertake a decorating project. Masking off certain areas, such as windows, electrical sockets and skirting boards, will help minimise the amount of tidying up that you will need to do once your decorating is complete. Accidents and spillages often occur when using paint, and so protecting your furnishings before you start painting is a must.

Without any further ado, here are some ideas on how to remove paint from a variety of different surfaces.

How to remove paint from metal

How to remove paint from carpet

How to remove paint from concrete

How to remove paint from wood

How to remove paint from plastic

How to remove paint from glass

How to remove paint from leather

Get in touch with the experts today

Give our team of experts a call or contact us today to get in touch about your next project.

How to hang wallpaper

Hanging wallpaper: where to start?

1. Firstly, work out how many rolls you will need. You will need to multiply the height and width in feet of your room in order to calculate the total square footage. There are numerous wallpaper calculators that are available on the internet which will make this easy for you. As a rule of thumb, you will get four drops on a plain roll and three drops from a patterned roll on 8ft-high walls. Make sure that the batch numbers are the same on every roll purchased.

2. Choose the right paste. When purchasing your wallpaper, always follow the manufacturer’s recommendations with regard to which paste to use. Some require pasting the paper, and others require that you paste the wall.

3. Ensure that all of the previous wall coverings are completely removed. Use a flexible spatula knife to remove the top layer of wallpaper. You can then soak the backing paper, making it easier to scrap off and remove. You can use a steamer to remove multi layers of stubborn paper.

4. Carefully sand and fill the complete area to be wallpapered. This will ensure that there are no unsightly depressions or lumps visible after wallpapering.

How to hang wallpaper straight

5. Use a plumb line or a level to ensure that you are hanging the paper straight; do not assume that the corner in which you make a start is plumb. Measure 1/4” in from the corner where you wish to start and draw a straight line vertically down from ceiling to skirting board. If the wall you are papering has a focal point, like a fireplace, start in the centre of the wall and work outwards. This will give you a balanced finish overall.

6. Size the area prior to papering. You can buy multiple different products to achieve this, but the most cost-effective way is to make a runny mix of wallpaper adhesive and apply this with a roller to the area being papered. This will act as a seal between the wall and the backing paper. It prevents the plaster from absorbing all the adhesive’s moisture and slows down the adhesion process, which allows you more time to get the paper placement just right.

7. Where possible, start hanging paper in the corner of a wall with no windows or doors. This will enable you to hang a full length from the ceiling to the skirting board. Before unrolling your paper, measure the wall from ceiling to skirting board and add extra two inches for the final trimming at ceiling and skirting.

8. Unroll the paper with pattern facing the pasting table and measure out your length with a tape measure. Fold the paper in on itself and cut along the crease. Once you have your length, mark on the paper which is the top, this will avoid mistakes later on.

Paste the wall

9. Line each edge of the paper with the edge of the table and apply the wallpaper paste using a 9” roller and scuttle. This will help you achieve a consistent and even coverage of paste on the wall and stop you getting excess paste on your table. Gently fold over the end of the paper that has been pasted and continue with the rest of your length. Remember to wipe down your table in between each length of paper. You may have to wait a few minutes for the paste to adhere (check the instructions).

10. Gently lower your length of paper and align the edge with the plumb line that you marked earlier on the wall. Take the time to make sure that the edge is perfectly aligned all the way down the wall. Smooth the excess overhang into the crease at ceiling and skirting. Smooth down the paper with a clean dry brush, working carefully and slowly form the centre of the paper outwards. Gently lift the paper and relay to smooth out any trapped air bubbles.

11. Trim off the excess overhang at the top and bottom using either a sharp clean pair of scissors or a snap-off blade knife. Ensure you snap a section of the blade off after approximately six cuts. This will ensure that the blade is as sharp as possible and enable you to achieve a good clean cut.

12. Wipe off any excess adhesive on the wall. Match the pattern repeat on your next length with the first length already hung. Repeat the process as you work your way along the wall.

Get in touch with the experts today

Give our team of experts a call or contact us today to get in touch about your next project.

What is gloss paint and how do I use it?

Gloss paint is the most common choice for painting woodwork. That includes doors, frames, skirting and windows. Modern gloss paints are all water based, with minimal VOC content, and provide the benefits of a hardwearing paint without the drawback of yellowing over time.

What does ‘gloss’ mean and what are its properties?

Gloss refers to how much sheen the finish of the paint has. The higher the sheen level, the more the light will be reflected. The shiniest finish is gloss. Gloss paint is incredibly hardwearing, durable and has a washable finish.

Where can you use gloss paint?

Thanks to its properties, gloss paint is ideal for use in areas of high wear such as interior doors, bannisters, and skirting boards. Gloss can also be used outside, so is an ideal choice for painting your front door. So, if you are looking for exterior paint, gloss should be your go-to choice.

You can also use gloss paint on metal, once it has been suitably primed. Glossing radiators to match woodwork is a popular choice. Most manufacturers will provide guidance on the percentage of ‘gloss’ their paint displays as a guide for how shiny the finish will be, and this is usually between 70-90%.

What are the different types of gloss paint?

There are five different types of gloss paint:

  1. Liquid Gloss: Needs an undercoat but gives a high gloss finish and is hardwearing and resistant to dirt. Leave overnight before applying a second coat. The choice for professional decorators.
  2. Once Gloss: Single coat paint. Does not need an undercoat if applied over an existing painted surface.
  3. Quick Dry Gloss: Self undercoating. Can be recoated in 6 hours.
  4. Satinwood: Semi-gloss. Hard-wearing, durable gloss paint with a subtle sheen. Not as hard- wearing as traditional gloss.
  5. Eggshell: Gives an on-trend, more matt finish. For use on interior, wood, walls, ceiling and metalwork.

How to use gloss paint

To make sure you’re getting the best finishes, you should follow these steps:

  1. Prepare your surface using sandpaper to make sure it is smooth; make sure you clean all of the dust before applying a primer coat.
  2. You may need to use an undercoat to seal bare or new surfaces. When painting metal, it is often a good idea to prepare it beforehand with a metal primer.
  3. Once you have prepared your surface so that it is ready to paint, you can apply gloss paint with a suitable mini roller or small brush, depending on the size of the area.
  4. If necessary, apply a second coat once the paint has dried for a smooth finish.

Regardless of the final coat of paint that you choose for your woodwork, skirting and doors, remember that preparation is key. Meticulous preparation and a good quality undercoat are of the utmost importance when it comes to achieving an attractive, high-quality finish.

Get in touch with the experts today

Give our team of experts a call or contact us today to get in touch about your next project.